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SUGGESTIONS 



ON THE IMPOEIANCB 07 129 



Ciiliiktion 0! Cntinn iit Africa, 



Cr BDFEREKCS TO tHH 



ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES, 



TniH A TEW 



OBSERVATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE FRIENDS OE EiriGRATION AMONG THE COLORED 
POPULATION OE THE NORTHERN STATES. 



BY A COLONIZATIONIST. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED AT THE EVENING REGISTER JOB OFFICE. 
1854. 






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PREFACE. 



The "Suggestions on the Cultivation of Cotton in Africa," in 
reference to the " Abohtion of Slavery in America," were written 
for " Friends' Review," as aflfording to conscientious opponents of 
Slavery one mode of action, that promises to be very effective, with- 
out interfering with other measures tending to the same result. 
To the intelligent and energetic among the free colored popula- 
tion of the United States, who desire an opportunity of acting ef- 
ficiently on behalf of their enslaved brethren in the Southern 
States, this plan ofiers a field of labor in which their exertions 
may be eminently useful; and while immediately placmg them- 
selves in a position of entire independence, and on a perfect equal- 
ity with every race and nation, they will enjoy the gratification of 
knowing that they are, at the same time, accomplishing the glori- 
ous work of regenerating an entire Continent, and of elevating an 
oppressed and degraded people to the enjoyment of the blessings 
of Christianity and a high civiHzation for ages to come. ^ 

If the conviction of such great results attending their labors, 
shall fail to arouse them to a sense of duty, it is difficult to con- 
ceive nobler views or higher motives that can call forth their ex- 
ertions. 

Behoving that this is a subject appealing directly to the sym- 
pathies, and the best interests of the whole colored population of 
the United States,— although but few of them may be wilhug at 
present to undertake the work in the manner contemplated, — a 
few friends, who have read the "Suggestions" in the "Eeview," 
have requested the writer to have them reprinted in pamphlet 
form, for the benefit of those who are likely to be interested in the 
subject. In now presenting it to them, it is without assuming to 
dictate to any portion of people what their individual duty or in- 
terest may require. Yet, the great fact stands unquestioned, that 
here is an important work to be performed, in the Civilization andi 



€hristianization of Africa, in the abolition of Slavery throughout 
the world, and in the education and elevation of the African race, 
wherever scattered. And who are so well qualified for this as the 
intelligent and educated colored people of the United States ? 
While it is undoubtedly the duty of all christian men, irrespective 
of country or race, to aid the oppressed, and recognize a brother 
in distress as appealing to the heart and conscience of every one 
in whatever situation he may be placed : yet, who will deny that 
the great wants of Africa appeal for aid directly and forcibly to 
her educated and civilized children, now in the United States? 
Some will find the path of duty and the opportunity of usefulness 
by remaining in the American States — in the endeavors to elevate 
their brethren here, while resisting, as far as they may be able, 
the mountain of prejudice that crushes them. And every effort 
of this kind should receive not only the best wishes, but encour- 
agement and aid from all true Christians. 

It is far from the design of the writer to discourage, in any. 
W'dy, such praiseworthy efforts ; but should the most sanguine 
hopes of such be reahzed in a reasonably short space of time — 
should Frederick Douglass be elected to the Congress of the United 
States, and admitted to take his seat as one of the law-makers of 
the Country, a position his talents well qualify him for — and 
should entire political equality be accorded to every colored man 
in all the Free States, which is their undoubted right : still it is 
to be feared that it will be long, very long, before they can place 
themselves upon a perfect social equality with the white race — 
without which their political right will be of little benefit. "What 
^rapid advance must true Christianity make in these United States, 
hefore the American people can be brought to acknowledge the 
common brotherhood of man ? And is every descendant of Africa 
willing to remain and suffer from the great, all-pervading preju- 
dice against his race until this millennium arrives, merely because 
he was born here, because this is his "native land" from which he 
will not be "expatriated?" No, they are not. A feeling in favor of 
emigration is now spreading among many intelligent colored men; 
but still it is no less strange than true, that the leading and influ- 
ential men among them have their attention turned to Canada, 
the Vfest Indies, Mexico, Central America, and even South 
America, in preference to Africa, where the great mass of thir race 
reside, and where civilized and christian States are already form- 
ed, and are carrying commerce and civilization into the very centre 
pf that long neglected but productive country. Strong as the pre- 



judice against the American Colonization Society is known to be 
among all classes of the colored population of the United States, 
is it not passing strange that such men as Dr. Martin K. Delany, 
of Pittsburgh; Mr. J. M Whitfield, of Buffalo; Mr J. Theodore 
IloUev, of Detroit ; with m.any other inteiligent and educated 
colored men, should issue a cail for an emigrati(jn convention, in 
which all discussion, not only in regard to the colonization move- 
ment, but the merits and advantages of Liberia, or Sierra Leone, or 
any part of Africa, is to be entirely forbidden in the remarks of 
their speakers ! They will have free discussion, provided no one 
mentions Africa I Believing that much good will arise from this 
plan of bringing together the most intelligent men from the differ- 
ent sections of the tlnion to interchangje their viiiws on all sub- 
jects pertainincT to their a.dvancement in this Country, or the 
advantages offered enterprising emigrants to other lan^s — 
and believing also that Messrs Delanj', Y/hitfiejd, Holly, and others 
who intend soon to hold a Convention at Cleavland, do not mean 
to be so proscriptive as their call would lead many to suppose, 
the w^riter makes this address particularly to them, known as 
he is to them as a " Colonizatoinist," as well as a thorough op- 
ponent of slavery and all its concomitants, fugitive slave laws, &c. 
in the hopes that on reflection they will so modify their rules as 
to allow a discussion on the advantages offered by every country 
in the known world, that the black man may be just as free as 
the white man to seek such a home as will most advance his 
interest. 

It cannot be that any number of intelligent black men can be 
found who will shut out the claims of Africa to their S3'mpathies; 
but with increased knowledge of the capabilities of tiie African 
continent, the great advantages it presents in many respects to 
enterprisino; colored emio;rants from the United States, who can 
take with them the means for developing the resources of the 
country, and thus introduce in every successive year an im- 
proved civilization, must the interest in Africa increase. 

The writer presents these remarks solely on his own responsi- 
bility ; feeling a strong interest in the civilization and christian- 
ization of Africa, as well as in the welfare of the whole African race 
in the United States, and having devoted much of his time to the 
cause of African Colonization, he will with pleasure give any 
information on the subject that he may possess to those who 
maj" desire it. 



Cfliinn Citltitotinit m %im. 



From Friend's Eeview. 



■" We present to our readers this week, the first portion of a com- 
munication from a correspondent, who has long taken a deep 
interest in the improvement of the condition of the African race. 
The fact that the slavery which has blackened our prosperous 
country, and exposed our profession of freedom and liberality to 
the censure and ridicule of people less free and enlightened than 
we suppose ourselves to be, owes its support and continuance to 
the market for its productions, is too obvious to require illustra- 
tion or argument ; and of the products of slave labor in the United 
States, it is well known that Cotton constitutes an important part ; 
so important, indeed, that we may fairly question whether the 
system could be much longer sustained without it. Well may we 
regret that an article so valuable in itself, and so conducive to 
domestic convenience and comfort, should be made the basis, either 
wholly or in part, of an institution so oppressive and degrading 
as American slavery. There is certainly no reason why this por- 
tion of the means which a bountiful Providence has furnished for 
our use and convenience, may not be cultivated, as well as any 
thing else, by the hands of freemen. 

Ihe soil and climate of Africa are shown to be remarkably suit- 
ed to the production of cotton; and some of our English philan- 
thropists have recently turned their attention to that Continent, 
as a source from which they hope to procure a supply for their 
factories, and thus obviate the necessity of resorting to the slave- 
fed markets of the United States, It may be hoped that the time 
will come, and at no distant day, when the native African will 
no longer be carried across the Atlantic, and subjected to all the 
horrors of a middle passage, to perform these labors in the west- 
ern world, which he can perform with greater advantage, under 
the stimulus of hope, in his native land. Let free labor in Africa 
be brought, under proper regulations, into com]:etition with the 
slave labor of the United States, and the fetters of slavery will not 
long hold together. Enlightened self-interest will dissolve them. 



CULTIVATION OF COTTON IN AFRICA. 

Afeiv suggestions on the imporiance of the Caldcaiioi of ColUni in 
Africa^ in reference to the ahoUtion of Slavery in America. 

By the true philanthropist of the present day, whose sympa- 
thies are enlisted for the oppressed of all countries, and of every 
race, any suggestion that may lead to even a partial improvement 
of condition will be received with favor. And on the people of 
the United States chiefly rests the responsibility of discovering 
the best mo^e of emancipating three and a half millions of bond- 
men in their • midst ;-»attil of providing for their future welfare, 
when emancipated. This has been deemed so difficult a subject 
— so complex in its political, social, and economical bearings, that 
many v/ell-disposed persons have been willing to pass it by, as a 
question to be solved by time, or by the superior wisdom of a fu- 
ture age; although aware that every successive year increases 
and strengthens the evil. 

But there are some who believe that the present is the proper 
time for action, and that they have a duty to perform in this great 
work, that should not be neglected. To such it is desired to make 
a few suggestions, under a belief that, with proper effort, much 
may be done novf to effect the desired result, and that measures 
may be commenced immediately, which will eventuate, at no dis- 
tant period, in a general emancipation, without violence of any 
kind, and without any collision with the laws of the land. 

As slavery originated in the spirit of gain, by which alone it is 
still sustained, it is proposed to make use of the same agency to 
accomplish its overthrow. It is generally conceded that the 
profit derived from the culture of Cotton is the chief suj)port of 
slavery in America, and this being the most vulnerable point, is 
that towards which the attack on the institution should be direct- 
ed ; for whatever shall prove available in making slave labor 
unprofitable, must of course cause the demand for that labor to 
cease. It is projDOsed to accomplish this result by means of the 
cultivation of cotton in Africa, with the use of free labor. As 
the soil of Africa is much more fertile than that of the United 
fc^tates, and is particularly adapted to the growth of Cotton, the 
advantages in its favor must be apparent to the most superfi- 
cial observer; for not only can all the best varieties at present 
cultivated in the United States, be more cheaply raised in West 
em or Central Africa, but there are several kinds indigenous to 



8 

that continent, of superior quality, that have been highly ap- 
proved in the English market. When it is remembered that 
this plant is perennial in Africa, and produces very much 
more than it does in America, where it must be planted annual- 
ly, the superiority of tfie former over the latter vAil be very ob- 
vious ; but in comparing the cost of labor in the two countries, 
the difference is still greater in faver of the free labor of Africa, 
over the slave labor of America,. 

To make this apparent to the most skeptical, it is only neces- 
sary to compare the value of slaves in Africa, with the market 
price of the same class of laborers in the United States. The 
foreign slave traders usually pay from^s^i^@=£&g?1i^ dollars for 
each slave, in trade-goods at an enormous profit ; so that the cash 
value of a good field-hand may bes safely estimated at from five 
to ten dollars ; v/hile the same laborer in America would cost irom 
five hundred to one thousand dollars. This comparison shows 
the real difference in the value of labor to be estimated in calcu- 
lating the relative cost of the production of this important staple, 
the variation in the price of wdiich so seriousl}'- efiects our com- 
mercial prosperity as to make the information respecting it of 
the first importance on every arrival from Europe. As this com- 
parison, however, is only between slave labor in the two coun- 
tries, and as the object of encouraging the increased production 
of cotton in Afiica, is to liberate the bondman there as well as 
here, some may be inclined to doubt whether the native African, 
in a state of freedom, can be so stimulated by the love of gain and 
the hope of improving his condition, as to compete successfully 
with the compulsory labor used here. But it must be remem- 
bered how vast is the population of Africa, and that the employ- 
ment of even a very small part of it, for a few hours each day, 
would give a greater amount of labor than that obtained by com- 
pulsion from the smaller number in the-United States. And 
when we take into view the dijQference in the cost of living, the 
exceeding productiveness of the soil, and that much less clothing 
is required in that tropical climate than with us, may we not 
reasonably calculate from these facts, that Cotton, more than equal 
to the whole product of the United States, can be obtained from 
the free sons of Africa in their native land, at less than one-half 
of its present cost, while amply compensating the laborer and, at 
the same time, greatly improving his condition in other respects ? 
This plan is, then, simply to make the immense profits at present 
derived by the slave-trader from his iniquitous business, togeth- 



er with the great emolument accruing to the planter in the Uni- 
ted States from the unrequited labor of his slaves, both available 
to the African himself. And the same process that thus benefits 
the free laborer, as a necessary consequence liberates the bondm;in 
in America, and emancipates the uncounted millions of slaves 
in Africa; for it is not to be supposed that slavery w^ill continue 
long anywhere when it is found to be unprofitable. 

All the Bible arguments of Southern theologians, or the patriotic 
appeals of pro-slavery^ politicians, will not avail to sustain an ins- 
titution that occasions a clear loss to every individual connected 
with it. Both slavery itself and its adjunct, the fugitive slave law, 
will then be numbered with the things that were ; instead of laws 
for the protection of this species of property, we shall see, as John 
Randolph predicted, the master running away from the slave. 
^Succeeding generations will read the history of the present time 
in constant wonder that such an institution as human slaver}^ 
could have existed so long among a professedly Christian and en- 
lightened people, glorying in an eminent degree in the Republican 
principles of their government. 

Assuming, then, that the free labor of Africa may be made 
available, if properly applied, to the abolition of slavery in both 
countries, the question will naturally arise, as to the best mode 
of accomplishing so desirable an object in the shortest time pos- 
sible ; and also that the greatest amount of good, as well as the 
chief profit, shall result to the advantage of the entire African 
race. 

To this end, care should be taken that the business of collect- 
ing, cleaning, pressing, and exporting the Cotton, should not be 
monopolized either b}^ English or American capitalists, nor by 
any associations of white men, with even very philanthropic 
views in regard to the abolition of slavery. The most suitable 
agents to promote the success of the measure, whose exertions 
could be made to advance their own interest and that of their 
posterity, while they were using the most effective measures for 
eradicating one of the greatest evils of the present age, are enter- 
prising colored men from the United States, properly educated, so 
as to be qualified for the work, and v/ho are capable of appreci- 
ating the immence benefits to the world that must result from 
their labors. These men could form settlements on the whole 
Western coast of Africa, between the parallels of 20 deg. North 
and 20 deg. South latitude, which would include Upper and Lower 
Guinea and Gambia — selecting, of course, the most eligible points 

_2_ 



10 

on tlie coast not already possessed by other powers, from whence 
they could gradually extend themselves into the interior. They 
Avouid thus be enabled to control the vast and continually increas- 
ing commerce of a hitherto unexplored region, comprising the 
larger and better portion of Central Africa — sufficient of itself, 
with the improvements in cultivation naturally introduced by 
civilization, to form a large and very lucrative portion of the com- 
merce of the world. 

The important results that must follow from the success of this 
scheme, cannot fail to strike every one who will give it attention. 
The downfall of American slavery is inevitable, and with it the 
whole system of servitude throughout the world ; for, with the 
great advantages thus shown that Africa possesses for the culti- 
vation of Cotton over the more expensive lands and labor in 
America, is it to be doubted for a moment that it can be profitably 
raised at mucfi less than one half of the price it has commanded in 
the United States for many years past ? 

Cotton, however, is not the only article of general consumption 
produced by slave labor, that can be more cheaply cultivated in 
Africa by freemen. Coffee and Rice grow there luxuriently, and 
have already been raised to a considerable extent and with com- 
paratively little labor; both being indigenious to that Continent, 
and the Liberia Coffee is considered one of the best varieties in 
the English market, where it commands a high price, and for that 
reason but little is imported into the United States, 

This plan for eradicating one of the greatest evils that afflicts 
so large a portion of the human race, and our own country in par- 
ticular, may seem so plain, when viewed in the light of its com- 
mercial importance alone, and yet so simple in the means pro- 
posed for carrying it into effect, that many will be inclined to ask 
wh}^ it has not been tried before, if so efficatious as here represent- 
ed for the accomplishment of its object ? This would be a natural 
question, and the answer is this: The agents who would be best 
adapted to the work in most respects, have not been properly ed- 
ucated for it ; the influences surrounding them in this country have 
all been of a depressing nature, calculated to discourage any noble 
aspirations that would lead them to promote the welfare of their 
race, and to achieve for it a higher position in the estimation of 
the world than it has yet attained ; and from this want of a knowl- 
edge of their own capabilities, they have been too long contented 
with the most servile occupations. In addition, however, to the 
want of information among the mass of our colored population, in 



11 

regard to the measures best calculated to advance tlieir welfare, and 
to which must be attributed much of the lack of energy and enter- 
prise among them, a large majority, including some of the most 
intelligent and best educated portion, have imbibed very strong 
prejudices against the scheme of African Colonization, as conduct- 
ed by the American Colonization Society, from the fact that many 
slaveholders, as well as non-slaveholders, are interested in, and 
patronize the enterprise. The great mortality that occurred in 
some of the earlier expeditions that formed the settlement of the 
present Republic of Liberia, has given rise to very incorrect views 
as to the saluJi^^itJ^ of the climate, and has led the colored man 
to overlook theigreat advantages that must result to himself, to 
his posterity, and to the entire race, from a vigorous and judicious 
prosecution of the scheme in the manner here indicated. It is, 
however, not desirable that a very large proportion of our colored 
population should at once emigrate to Africa, much less a general 
exodus ; but if only fifty thousand of the intelligent and educated 
should be induced to settle there within the next ten years, what 
might they not accomplish ? This would be but one-tenth of the 
free colored population of the United States, and only equal to 
about one per cent, per annum. Yet this number, distributed in 
some eight or ten different settlements along the coast, would form 
the nucleus of probably as many independent States, hereafter to 
form a confederacy similar to our own ; and, as they would natu- 
rally adopt Republican principles, might in less than half a century 
show a more important destiny for this race, in the civilization 
and christianization of Africa, and perform a more important part 
in the great M'ork of the world's redemption, than many of their 
best friends have ever anticipated. If it should be objected that 
this calculation is not entirely within the hounds of moderation, that 
the effects hoped for are too great for the means emjoloyed, we 
have only to look at our own country to see the vast results of 
colonization from small beginnings ; or to realize what has been 
accomplished within the last few years in California and Australia, 
and then ask ourselves if the colored man has not greater induce- 
ments, at this time, to emigrate to Africa, than our forefathers 
had, in their day, to emigrate to America ? And is the prospect 
of gain that yearly takes so many thousands to the gold fields of 
California or Australia, to be compared with the great advantages 
accruing to the enterprising emigrant to Western Africa ? 

If any one doubts the capability of colored men to overcome 
difiiculties in establishing for themselves an independent govern- 



12 

ment, and in spreading the Hessings of civilization and Christian- 
ity among the savage people, he has only to cast his eyes on 
Liberia to see what has already been achieved by a few thousand 
of the same class, a large majority of whom were emancipated 
slaves, without any previous education or the least experience in 
the great work they have so successfully accumpJished. Liberia 
has fully estabhshed the capacity of the African race for self-gov- 
ernment and the highest degree of civilization, and she stands at 
this moment as the most successful example of colonization to be 
found in the annals of history. 

There we see an independent government, formed on strictly 
Eepublican principles, modelled after our ownj^^pects, slavery 
excepted, estabhshed and creditably conducted by less than ten 
thousand of the African race, most of them from a state of bond- 
age in America, and of whom not one hundred ever had an edu- 
cation in this country such as is to be obtained in our best schools. 
They were aided, indeed, in the first instance by the labors of a 
few of the self-denying and devoted friends of this oppressed peo- 
ple, among whom the names of Ashmun and Buchanan should 
be held in grateful remembrance by every true hearted black man 
in Africa or America. 

Liberia is now enjoying a high degree of prosperity, and occu- 
pies an honored and most respectable position among ihe civilized 
governments of the world, her sovereignty and independence 
having been acknowledged by Great Britain, France, Prussia, 
Belgium and Brazil, with all of whom she interchanges national 
civilities, and a mutually lucrative trade ; her flag and her rev- 
enue laws -are respected by the vessels of all nations, and her 
citizens meet on equal terms those from Europe or America who 
visit her port« in the pursuit of commerce, or in the employment 
of their respective countries. On the two occasions when her 
chief magistrate visited Europe, he was received with distinguish- 
ed consideration by the nobility and crowned heads, and by the 
virtuous of other classes of the most powerful and most refined 
nations of the Eastern continent. Liberia, however, still needs 
the sympathy and aid of her friends in extending the benefits 
of education among her growing population, as both the govern- 
ment and people are far from a state of affluence. Yet they 
have overcome most of the difficulties incident to the settle- 
ment of a new country, especially that great obstacle, the slave 
trade, with which they had to contend for many years, and 
which resisted them with all its power, constantly inciting the 



13 

plave trade is now entirely destroyed, not only within their own 
b rders, but it is prohibited in all their treaties with the native 
kii^gs who have sought their friendship. The J.iberians have 
otherwise exerted ;i healthful influence in the suppression ot wars 
between the different tribrs with whom tijey have had intercourse. 
The cultivation of Coffee has been prosecuted to a considerable 
extent in I.iberia, and within the latt year or two some attention 
has been given to the culture of Cotton. 

With these facts before us, showing what has already been 
accomplished by a handful of comparatively uneducated p^^ople, 
what may we not expect from a much greater number, properly 
educated for the work? Aiay we not safely calculate on 
benefits as important to the wcrld from the colonization of Africa 
by intelligent and well educated black men, as have been achiev- 
ed by our own race in the colonization of America ? And if so, 
should not all the opponents of slavery, and all the sincere friends 
of the colored race, unite their efforts to promote so important an 
enterprise ? In urging, however, the great value of this depart- 
ment of anti-slavery labor, it is by no means our intention to 
undervalue other efforts in the same cause, especially the moral 
influence that may be brought to bear upon the great system of 
oppression and wrong by the judicious and well directed efforts of 
able writers, who forget not the law of love and Christian obliga- 
tion while exposing enormities to which the system of slavery 
is liable. The works of John G. Whittier, Harriet Beecher fetowe, 
and others of the same class, will be fully appreciated by those 
who desire some practicable plan in which all may labor who 
desire to accomplish, at the earliest period possible, the abolition of 
so deep-rooted and wide spread an evil. iN'either will the friends 
of free labor deem it necessary to confine their efforts to any one 
point, however important that may be shown to be. 

It is also to be hoped that the idea of extending the culture of 
flax in our Northern and Western States, may be realized by those 
who desire thereby to make it a substitute fur Cotton in the man- 
ufacture of many articles for the home market. It is therefore de- 
sirable that the very able and interesting essays on this subject, 
that have appeared in the "Review," may be extensively read by 
those who are interested in this question. When it is remem- 
bered that the entire yearly consumption of Cotton in England 
alone is upwards of 800,000,000 of lbs., and of this 79 per cent., or 
more than three-fourths, is raised in the United States, it will be 
readily perceived how indispensable it is that we should under- 



14 

mine this powerful support of slavery, in our plans for the over* 
throw of the institution. This done, we may safely leave the repeal 
of all fugitive slave laws, and the answer to all pro-slaver}^ argu- 
ments, to the slaveholders themselves. Make slavery obviously 
unprofitable, and the work is done. 

In this view of the case, our first and great duty would seem 
to be, to raise the colored man from his present state, infuse into 
him a noble ambition to occupy a more elevated position in the 
world, and to qualify him to act the part which appears to be so 
clearly marked out for him in this age of progress. 

With a liberal education, it is not to be supposed that he will 
fail to recognize the responsibility resting on him, and learn to 
know that it is on his own exertions he must mainly depend to 
become a useful and respected member of society; he will then 
see the importance of immediate action, to secure for himself and 
his children some of the advantages that the Continent of Africa 
offers to the enterprising emigrants who seek her shores ; and hav- 
ing thus secured a home for themselves, and laid the foundation 
of an extensive Christian empire, will soon be able to receive all 
of their brethren whose interest or adventurous spirit may lead 
them to seek a new abode from under the dominion of "the proud 
and imperious Saxon," where their labor will be estimated at its 
proper value. Our duty, however, will be but partially performed 
to a long-neglected portion of our brethren, by freeing them from 
actual bondage, without, at the same time, making provision for 
their future welfare. We must bear in mind that the prejudice 
arising from a long course of degradation will not soon be eradi- 
cated after chattel slavery shall have ceased; that while we may 
grant them entire equality under the law, in accordance with 
■ our republican creed, yet that social equality which cannot be 
looked for until the feeling of brotherly love, engendered by a truer 
spirit of Christianity, thaa at present prevails, shall have perva- 
ded the mass of the community; and as this work will be a work 
of years, many of the free spirits among our colored brethren 
may not be willing to await this " good time coming;" and when 
the certainty of a general emancipation is made manifest to our 
Southern brethren, it is to be hoped that there will be shown a 
liberal and Christian spirit toward their slaves, that will induce 
them to allow such educational privileges as will prepare them to 
become useful citizens, either in the land of their nativity or that 
of their adoption. Many, no doubt, will still be employed as labor- 
ers in the Southern States, where their services, to a certain ex- 



15 

tent, will be indispensable, while others will seek new residences, 
in which they can immediately become landed proprietors. To 
provide for a large emigration of this nature, consequent upon 
the success of the measures indicated for the overthrow of slavery, 
a broad and sure foundation should be laid, upon which these 
new African States will be erected. 

In asking the attention of the friends of the African race to this 
subject, it is respectfully suggested, that much may be done to- 
wards the object at the present time, by extending the facilities 
of education to the different towns and settlements in Liberia, in 
establishing primary, high, and normal schools for both males and 
females, and also by furnishing each settlement with the necessary 
machine for cleaning and pressing Cotton. These must be ex- 
tended as new settlements are formed, whether under the auspi- 
ces of the American Colonization Society, or by individual enter- 
prise; both of these measures were considered desirable by our 
friends Eli and Sybil Jones, who visited Liberia a year or two 
since, neither of the objects being within the province of the Col- 
onization Society ; and as the emigrants are generally very poor, 
they require all their means for the cultivation of their farms. 
Capital is, therefore, much needed by them for such purposes. 
To secure the accomplishment of this plan on a scale commensu- 
rate with the important end to be attained, combined effort will 
be necessary ; and as the measures proposed do not come within 
- the prescribed duties of any exissting organization, the object will 
probably be effected in the surest manner by a union of all the 
Iriends of freedom in Am^erica, whose sympathy for the oppressed 
is not limited by geographical boundaries or national sovereignty, 
in an association with the philanthropists of Great Britain, (or in 
such manner as shall receive their co-operation;) and as distin- 
guishing t-he society, and explaining its object, it might be called 
'' The African Civilization Society." It would occupy a different 
field of labor from any other anti-slavery association, and thus be 
free from the objection of many, Avhose exertions have been limi- 
ted to mere partial measures. There are in our religious Society 
many who deeply feel the wrongs of slavery, and who would glad- 
ly avail themselves of an oppDrtuuity of more extended u^etul- 
ne.^s, but who have not deemed it their duty to take an active 
part in the political conflict that the slavery question lias engen- 
dered. Such will probably see in this quiet and peaceful, yet most 
effective mode of overcoming the principal obstacle to our national 
prosperity, the way made clear for extending more enlightened 



16 

views of governmental policy to the nations of tlie world, some of 
whom may have been deterred from a(3opting our professed prin- 
ciples from the inconsistency of our practice, in continuing an- 
institution at variance with both the obvious precepts of Chris- 
tianity and our boasted republicanism. 

The Editor of the " New York Colonization Journal," in cop}^- 
ing into that paper the suggestions on Cotton Cultivation in Africa, 
copies also the following remarks of the Editor of the " Review," 
with his corrections, showing that " Colonizationists" do not 
hold the views^ that many have imputed to them. , .il •', ■ ,..- 

COFFEE AND COTTON CULTIVATION IN LIBERIA. 

We cheerfully transfer from the Friends Review two numbers 
of a communication from a correspondent, C, on the cultivation 
of Cotton, Sugar, and Coffee in Africa, as throwing light upon the 
path of duty and expediency for our intelligent colored population. 

In introducing the second number of the series, the Editor of 
the Friendh- Review makes the following remarks : 

'" In continuing the suggestions of our correspondent, relative 
to the cultivation in Africa of those productions which are usually 
brought into the market through the instrumentality of servile 
labor, it may be proper to remark that neither the writer of the 
^ suggestions' nor the Editor of the Review designs to give any 
countenance to the scheme of compulsory emigration, or to the 
wild and visionary project of transporting the whole colored race, 
now in the United States, to what is sometimes termed their fa- 
itherland. The right of the colored man to remain, as long as in- 
terest or inclination dictates, in the land which gave him birth, 
is no more liable to question or doubt than that of any other class 
.of our diversified pnpulation. Though the colored race in the 
United States are in actual possession of much less than their 
relative portion of the vv^ealth of the countrj?^, there can be no ra- 
tional doubt of their having performed their full share of the 
labor, though probably not of the skill, which has brought it into 
existence. 

" The establishment, however, of colonies on the African coast, 
constituted of persons fitted by nature to flouriKh in a tropical cli- 
mate, and prepared by education to carry the blessings of civiliza- 
tion and Christianity to that benighted continent, is a very 
different affair from the project which the declarations of many 
^n roiTi i n e n t ad YQcn.f ps of pjy\r\r\}7.^y\or*. ~ h • 



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17 

bute to them : that of clearing off the free colored race, in order 
to render the possession of their slaves more secure. Such emi- 
grants as some of those mentioned in tliis week's paper, may 
reasonably be expected to exercise a salutary influence, wherever 
they may be located on the African shore. If the emigrants 
could contain a good sprinkling of such characters, we might 
confidently hope to see, in a few years, well-constituted Repub- 
lics spreading along the coast, stretching into the interior, and 
proving, by ocular demonstration, the capacity of the negro race 
to establish and support free governments. When William Penn 
was about locating on the banks of the Delaware a colony with 
a government which he intended as a model for ages to come, he 
remarked in a letter to one of his friends, while still in Europe, 
* There may be room there, though not here, for such an holy 
experiment ;' and it may be said that there is room in Africa, 
though not in the United States, to try the experiment of en- 
trusting the colored race with the government of themselves. 
The experiment has indtcd been tried there and has succeeded. 
A few more, if equally successful, might perhaps lead some to 
imagine that their admission here to a share in the enactment 
and administration of the laws to w^hich they are expected to yield 
obedience, would not be such an absurdity as it has been supposed." 

While agreeing in the main with the above, we demur on two 
or three points to the implication conveyed as to the sentiments 
of Colonizationists. 

The Editor, in seeming deprecation of censure for having in- 
serted the communication of C, remarks, that " neither the cor- 
respondent nor the Editor designs to give any countenance to the 
sclieme of comjyidsory emigration, or to the wild and visionarij pro- 
ject of transporting the whole colored race, now in the United 
States, to what is sometimes termed their fatherland." As to 
compulsory emigration, the Colonization Society carefuUj', from 
its origin, guarded itself on this point by a constitutional provision, 
confining its operations " to promote and execute a plan for col- 
onizing, with their own consent, the free people of color," and by 
this very limitation denied beforehand the charge of proposing 
" a scheme of compulsor?/ emigration" or " a wild and visionary 
project of transporting the whole colored race." Let it be under- 
stood, therefore, that' the Editor of the Review did not properly 
refer to any thing chargeable to the Colonization Societj^, when he 
made the remark just quoted, but to some supposed theory of State 



18 

legislation, or individual argument or theory, as to what would 
be practicable or desirable. 

We quote again from the editorial as follows : " The right of 
the colored man to remain as long as interest or inclination 
dictate," &c., &c. The Colonization Society was not founded on 
any theory which questioned or controverted the " right," but 
upon the expediency and wisdom of his emigrating, and the be- 
nevolence, in view of all the circumstances present and prospect- 
ive of his condition, of promoting a plan for his voluntary emi- 
gration. 

To assert the right implies that it has been denied, and we wish 
simply to defend the Colonization Society from the imputation of 
such denial. The " right" being then admitted to remain or to 
emigrate at their option, there remains simply this question be- 
tween the promoters of the plan of Colonization and their opposers : 
Which is acting most wisely, and with the greatest practical be- 
nevolence — he who advocates and encourages voluntary emigra- 
tion, or he who opposes and discourages ? Remarks upon the 
" suggestions" of C. we reserve for another number. 



The following articles will be found to confirm the statement 
with regard^to the advantages of Africa, in both soil and climate, 
for the production of cotton : 

"From Friends' Review." 

The brief notice which appears in one of our columns, respect- 
ing the culture of cotton in Algeria, is a corroboration of some of 
the remarks of our correspondent C, as given in preceding num- 
bers. If the French can raise cotton in Algeria, where labor is 
not so cheap as in many other parts of Africa, surely the Eng- 
lish also may obtain it from parts of the same continent which 
are accessible to them. 

AFRICAN COTTON. 

France is becoming every day more and more a cotton produc- 
ing country. The very -full and explicit details given by our 
Paris correspondent some weeks since, on the increased cultiva- 
tion of cotton in Algeria, certainly denote that not without reason 
does the French government believe that in a few years France 
will grow, on its own soil. Cotton enough for its own manufactur- 
ing wants. — Daili/ Register. 



19 

AFRICAN COTTON. ' 

Bi* Irving, a missionary to Africa, has written the annexed re- 
marks. The letter is published in the proceedings of the Royal 
Geographical Society : 

" In December, 1853, 1 was ordered on service to Abbeokuta, 
with Commander Foote, then senior officer. There I was much 
struck with the superior appearance of the people and their great 
capabilities, the productiveness of the soil, the variety of objects 
which might lead to an extensive and lucrative commerce with 
England, more especially that of cotton, which is indigenous, and 
carefully cultivated by the Yarubas. These comprise a popula-- 
tion of nearly three million souls, clothed entirely in cloths man- 
ufactured by themselves. 

On my return to England, I represented these things to the Church 
Missionary Society, and many of the samples of African produc- 
tions I brought home excited great attention among manufac 
turers and others. The cotton proved to be of the very quality 
required for the purpose of manufacture. Among them was also 
an entirely new kind of silk, respecting which several eminent 
merchants in London are very anxious for further information. 
I volunteered to go out and examine the country between the 
Niger, Bight of Benin, and Lander's route, between Badagry and 
Boussa, a country, excepting at one or two points where our 
missionaries had been the pioneers, never yet visited by white 
men. My offer was accepted, and I started as agent for Yaruba, 
with the sanction of Sir James Graham and Lord Clarendon. The 
necessary instruments for making observations have been forward- 
ed to me." — Colonization Herald. 

COTTON FROM AFRICA, 

On Saturday, advice was received in Manchester by Mr. Thomas 
Clegg, cotton spinner, of the arrival of five more bales, weighing 
in the aggregate rather more than 1000 lbs , of raw cotton from 
the coast of Africa. This mattes Mr. Clegg's receipts (o amount 
to about 12,000 lbs , as the result of the very important move- 
ment which originated with him. Some three or four years ago, 
learning that there was plenty of cotton growing wild near the 
colony of Sierra Leone and the Church Missionary station, Abeo- 
kuta, and that as it bloomed and ripened it dropped to the ground 
and rotted, no one regarding it, he communicated with the officials 
of the Church Missionary Society in London, and through them 



A-ji 



20 

gent £100 to the place named, with instructions that it was to be 
expended by the missionaries in setting the natives to gather and 
clean the indigenous produce, and to forward it as quickly as possi- 
ble to England. 

At the same time they were directed to lay before the chiefs 
the advantageous opening which presented itself for the employ^ 
ment of their people, and how much better it would be to do that 
than to pursue their horrid traffic in human flesh. This was a 
direct appeal to a leading trait in the character of the native chiefs 
of that part of the continent, for by the universal testimony of i 
those who know them best, they are admitted to possess a strong 
liking for money, and to be as clever at barter as any Yankee ped- 
lar ; for trafficking, indeed, they seem to have a natural gift, which 
only requires to be turned from slaves to cotton to enable us to 
dispense with our squadron on that coast. The inducements held 
out proved sufficient to attract attention, and in the year before 
last a few hundred pounds were collected. Since then Mr. Clegg 
has received above 10,000, exclu^ve of that which he received 
the advice of on Saturday, and altogether at present every thing 
points to great results at no distant period. But the duty of at- 
tending to the collection and forwarding of the cotton has become 
too large for the missionaries to undertake, and therefore two 
agents are about to be sent out especially to undertake it. The 
great aim at present is to show the chiefs that there is a market 
for whatever cotton their people can collect of that which grows 
without the necessity for bestowing more labor upon it than what 
is required to gather it from the pod ; that effected, they will then 
be asked to encourage its growth by cultivation. Mr. Clegg has 
spun a quantity of the cotton himself, and has given some to four 
firms, with the request that they will experiment upon it, and 
favor him with a report. 

In staple it is equal to Egyptian or good Orleans, used in 
spinning fine yarns for Nottingham and Leicester trade. The 
price of cotton suited for such fine numbers has more than doub- 
led within a comparatively brief period, and what w.ms selling 
at 9ld. a pound, is now fetching 20d., and has been for some 
time ; so that this supply will come in most seasonably to meet 
the scarcity of suitable sorts which the price indicates. 

It must not be supposed, however, that all that has been de- 
scribed has been accomplished by Mr Clegg's £100; that gentle- 
man unloosed his purse-string when he saw success " looming in 
the future, " and he has been aided by other friends of the 
.;»r 



21 

African race, especially by Lady Buxton, who has contributed 
£100^ towards the fund for carrying on operations. — JSorth 
American. 

COTTON CULTIVATION ON THE WESTERN COABT OF AFRICA. 

The soil itself is admirably adapted to the fructification of the 
plant, and this is proved by the numerous specimens which are 
to be seen in almost every piece of ground, spont'uieously grow- 
ing amongst the other shrubs and trees, and supplying large and 
well filled pods of the soft downy substance. The rearing and cul- 
tivation of the cotton plant would, in my opinion, be an accep- 
table kind of employment to the African laborer : and, as the price 
of wages is not high, and the time occupied in bringing it to per- 
fection by no means slow, the return would plentifully reward 
the planter as well as the purchaser. The quality of the article 
produced from the cotton plant of Sierra Leone ha^ already been 
pronounced to be very good, and capable of a durable and yet fine 
texture. The extensive portions of land in the neighborhood of 
Freetown, and indeed throughout the colony, which lie unculti- 
vated, might be employed with advantage in the growth of this 
article, for which they are in every respect fitted. The continent of 
Africa, in fact, throughout, is, for the reasons already offered, 
well suited to the cultivation of the cotton plant. Some years 
ago considerable attention was paid to it, and the undertaking 
promised every success. A large quantity of it was produced of 
a superior quality, and the attempt only failed through want of 
perseverance, good seed, and a thorough understanding of the 
proper manner of conducting and carrying it out into practice. 
The seed of the native was not supposed to be so good as that 
which was imported, and for this reason the undertaking was 
prematurely but foolishly relinqidshed. The natives themselves, 
particularly as you advance more into the interior and up the 
Gambia, grow a good deal of it, and make very capital cloths for 
their own use from the material, which they work after their 
own fashion. The opportunities afibrded for the cultivation of 
cotton m the vast tracts of land bounding that river, and the readi- 
ness, I imagine, with which it would be undertaken and carried 
on by their possessors, if a feir inducement was held out to them, 
ought not to be passed over by our manufacturers at the present 
crisis. — Poole s &ierra Leone and the Gambia, 



i 



LETTER FROM LIBERIA, 

The writer of the "Suggestions on the Cultivation of Cotton in Africa/* has 
announced himself as a Colonizationist," and is fully aware of the very strong 
prejudice that is entertained in regard to that term, by the mass of the colored 
population generally, as well as by many among their white friends, whose 
opposition to the "American Colonization Society" he is convinced has arisen 
from a misconception of its objects, and of the motives and aims of its founders, 
many of whom gave their lives to the cause, thus testifying in the strongest 
manner possible, their devotion to what they conceived a work of vast impor- 
tance to Africa^ and exemplifying a labor of love to a depressed and scattered people. 

Without, however, discussing the subject further at this time, his principal 
object is to draw the attention of the enterprising portion of our colored popula- 
tion who are not satisfied with their progress here, to the wide sphere of action that 
has been opened to them on the Continent of Africa. For this purpose he in- 
troduces the following appeal, addressed "to the free colored population of the 
United States," by the Rev. John Day, a colored Missionary of the Baptist 
Church, who has resided upwards of twenty years in Liberia, and has devoted 
himself to the cause of the improvement of his people, and of enlightening and 
Christianizing the heathen of Africa. He is therefore competent to speak of 
his adopted Country, and is a man universally respected and beloved, wherever 
known. 

Philadelphia, August, 1854. 

Bexley^ Liberia, August 2^ih, 1853. 

Editor of CoLoNiZATioisr Herald : 

Sir, — I liave long been an observer of movements in the United 
States in reference to the free colored people, and have also notic- 
ed with much interest the feelings and views of my colored breth- 
ren in reference to colonization and to this Republic; and feel to 
rejoice that the Repubhc is attracting more attention and consid- 
eration among them ; and desire through your columns to address 
a letter to them. 

To tlie free people of color of the United States. 

Dear Brethren, — Y/hen 1 have noticed the prohibitory and 
oppressive laws enacted inmany of the >tatesin special reference 
to you, I have wept and wondered vvheiher e\ ery manly aspira- 
tion of soul had been crushed in the colored man, or does he pan- 
der to the notion that he belongs to an inferior race, and that he 
must hew wood, draw water, and crouch to every indignity, con- 
tempt, and oppression which others may imj^ose on him. Or dues 
he not believe that God has planted a raradise on the Western 
Coast of Africa, where the soul of the colored man expands, and 
imbibes all that is ennobling to human nature. Do they believe 
that this country is congenial to them, its institations favorable 



23 

to development and improvement ; that here the colored man 
stands erect in all that dignifies man ; that he knows nor acknow- 
ledges a superior ? Why then cling to a land which, whatever it 
may be to others, to you is a land of oppression ? 

1 have heard objections to emigrating to Liberia urged on the 
ground of benevolence to the poor suffering slaves — of a tender- 
ness towards them which forbids leaving them in chains. This is 
an old doctrine preached more than twenty years ago, before I 
left the United States. What good has your continuance there 
done them? None ; nor ever wilh And besides, are not the poor 
heathen of this country our brethren? And are they not in chains 
more galling than those of American slavery? And cannot that 
benevolence which binds you to the interest of enslaved breth- 
ren in America, expand to a desire to unshackle the many thou- 
sands to whom here you can have access ? Liberia presents a 
larger field and surer prospects for the exercise of that noble 
principle, which seeks the benefit of others. 

But brethren, are you not mistaken in the object of your con- 
tinuance in America? Is there not some incongruity in the exis- 
tence of so noble a principle with a spirit so servile as to stoop 
to the most menial and degrading service ? I hope I shall not 
offend. 

Some in the Northern States boast of all the privileges they de- 
sire. And what are those privileges ? Just what Liberians disdain 
to call by that name. Nothing will satisfy Liberians short of 
equahty. Equal — politically, socially, and religiously with all 
men. And will soon be mentally, morally, and in every other way, 
equal to any people on earth. 

Visit our legislative halls and hear discussions on principles of 
political economy, diplomacy, laws, national and international, 
and wonder where those men were raised. View the militia, and 
witness the officer-like conduct of those in command, the regular 
movements in every department, and say if you ever saw us 
excelled. Go into the Courts of justice, and see the distribution 
of justice as well administered as in America. Visit the Churches, 
and hear the word of God expounded in its beauty and grandeur, 
and you will be led to ask what raised this people to this height. 
My dear brethren, you do not know what Liberians are, nor what 
Liberia is. My brother in America has asked me, how it is that 
colored men in America are so insignificant, and here are so great? 
My brother and his dear children may read this letter if they 
choose, and see. 



24 

In America, we had nothing to incite us to proper application of 
mind, nothing to aspire to. We read superficially, we knew super- 
ficially many things known to our white neighbors. We knew the 
passing occurrences of the day, &c., &c., but having no interest in 
those things, that knowledge was lost on us. But in Liberia we 
found ourselves an embryo nation, but incapable of filling many 
of the various important stations requiring real knowledge. Su- 
perficiality would not do. We applied ourselves to study closely 
and intensely, and acquired, in many instances, profound knowl- 
edge, that sort which gives power. Many who have thus made 
themselves are superior men. 

Point to one act of any of our officials, since this has been a 
Republic, which would not do credit to any people. Now, if I un- 
derstand the logic taught by these circumstances, it is, that col- 
ored men who breathe a proper atmosphere, surrounded by proper 
influences, incited by proper objects, will become as learned, as 
noble, and as great every way, as any other men on earth, and 
will stand on a level, and gain equal footing with any people. 
The past history and present prospects of our people justify the 
anticipation. Did not Africa once blaze in the light of civilization 
and the arts ? In what state was Europe then ? As deeply sunk- 
en in heathenism as Ethiopia is now. And since Africa gave letters 
and Canaan gave religion to Europe, has no dark cloud over- 
brooded it ! What did Eomanism do there ? Eomanism is not 
dead. Is it not in America, on the wings of a friendly toleration, 
receiving what it never gave, spreading its baneful influence over 
that apparent garden of the Lord, waiting your exit to fill your 
place with herds of poor, infatuated Romanists from Europe, fit 
emissaries of distraction ? May not a reversion take place, and 
Africa again be the garden of the earth ? How comfortable to re- 
flect, that you have contributed, not to the downfall of any, but 
to the building up of poor, long neglected, much injured Africa. 

I have said you do not know Liberia. I have spoken of it as 
Paradise. Of course, you will allow the use of that term in a 
very qualified sense. It is, however. Paradise to me, compared 
with any place where I am pointed out as of a distinct and inferior 
class. Liberia is, however, a part of that land of which it is said, 
in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread. It, however, is a 
fertile land, and abounds in abundant resources for the comfort 
or even wealth of its inhabitants. It is a free and independent 
Republic, and that is the zenith of national government. 
Some have objected to coming to Liberia, on account of their 



25 

dislike of the Colonization Society. I dislike as much as you, 
unkind, and, in some instances, unjust remarks of many who 
have written and spoken on the subject of colonization. The 
Colonization Society is, however, one in which more elements 
combine in working out a good, than any other I know on earth. 
Because God is in it, and all things shall work together for our 
good. Whether the kindest benevolence, or the most malignant 
hate conspire in sending us here, here is the place which God 
has blessed, and made the happy home of the colored race. Do, 
my brethren, give up your prejudices against the Coloniza- 
tion Society. The work and counsel of that Society are of God, 
and you cannot overthrow it. But while the Providence and 
designs of Heaven, in the achievement of that Society, are unfold- 
ing, and while vast fields of usefulness are opening, come to the 
help of the Lord. Come to the land of true liberty, where you 
and your children may not only be happy yourselves, but where 
you can assist in making Africa the praise of the whole earth. 
I am your old ac(][uaintance and brother, 

John Day. 



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